Interview with Cyndi Handley -Cyncar Dalmatians


Thank you Cyndi for sharing your thoughts and wisdom with us! This interview was done July of 2004.

How did you get your start in Dalmatians?

I was a free-lance show secretary for local specialty clubs, and the Davenport Dalmatian Club hired me to superintend their show. I came home from that show with a Dalmatian.


What got you started in dog shows?

In 1974 I moved out on my own and aquired an Irish Setter ( because I read Big Red as a child) and enrolled her in obedience classes. She had a real aptitude for it, and quickly acheived her CD. I was hooked.


Can you tell the story behind your kennel name?

My last name at the time was Carlson, so I combined my first and last names Cyn + Car.


Which of your dogs was your favorite and why?

This one is hard. Ch. Snowood Cyncar Paisley Me Special (Dolly) was the sweetest Dal put on this earth and I adored her, but I probably had the deepest connection with Randy, Ch. Harmony Cyncar Colorado Boy CD. He was my first champion, and that's always special.


Was your favorite dog bred by you or someone else?

Randy was bred by Jan Nelson and Sue Giesler, and Dolly was bred by Meg Hennessey and Sue MacMillan.


When planning a breeding what are the most important things you take into consideration?

Soundness of mind and body. Calm, stable, confident dogs that can be out in the world without freaking out at every little thing.


Which of your breedings do you consider your most successful and why?

Dolly's first litter. We finished four out of eight, and those four included a group winner, specialty winners, and sweeps winners.


To what do you most attribute your success?

Dolly. And incredible people who gave unselfishly of their time and expertise.


What significant changes have you seen in Dals?

Rears and toplines have improved. Fronts have a ways to go. I also don't see nearly as many dogs with the skin allergies as I did when I first got into Dals. I still see way too many spooks.


You have (with this interview) the audience of most of the Dal community. What one thing would you like to most express to them?

We have treasured the relationships we have developed over the last 20 years. Dal people are way above most other breeds. When my friends in other breeds talk about dirty tricks in the ring, deliberately pulling dogs to keep someone else from getting a point, etc., I think about all the times I've seen and heard of Dal people building majors, keeping dogs in the classes to hold majors, etc. Most Dal people are extremely generous with their time and expertise, especially when it comes to new people.


Cyndi Handley - Cyncar Dalmatians